Religious texts have been used throughout history to justify various forms of sexual exploitation, from polygamy to slavery.
Some religious texts also promote social justice and equality, which has led to collective resistance against sexual exploitation in some communities. In this article, we will explore how different religions approach the issue of sexual exploitation and what impact their teachings have had on society's response to it.
Judaism
The Jewish tradition prohibits all forms of sexual exploitation, including rape, incest, adultery, and prostitution. The Torah explicitly states that "a man should not lie with a male as one lies with a woman; it is an abomination" (Leviticus 18:22), and the Talmud states that "one who commits bestiality denies God's creation." These strict guidelines have resulted in a strong condemnation of sexual violence and harassment within the Jewish community.
During the Middle Ages, rabbis developed a system of laws to protect women from abuse and rape, including requiring a husband to pay compensation for his wife if he forced her into sex without consent.
There are exceptions to these rules. The Talmud allows polygamy, meaning that men can have multiple wives at once. This practice was common among wealthy Jews in medieval Europe, leading to mistreatment of many female partners. Similarly, the Talmud permits slavery, which was a widespread institution in ancient societies. Slaves were often used for sexual purposes, and their owners could sell them or give them away as gifts. Some scholars argue that these allowances contribute to the oppression of women and other marginalized groups.
Jewish communities have historically resisted sexual exploitation through collective action. In medieval Spain, for instance, the Jewish community created networks of support for victims of domestic violence, allowing them to seek justice against their attackers. Today, many Jewish organizations work to end trafficking and prostitution by advocating for legal reforms and providing services to survivors. They also emphasize education on healthy relationships and respectful behavior toward others.
Christianity
Christianity has had a complex relationship with sexual exploitation throughout history. On one hand, it has been used to justify oppression and subjugation of women and minorities.
The Bible states that "a man who lies with a male as with a woman is an abomination" (Leviticus 18:22), while St. Paul writes that women should be silent in church and obey their husbands (1 Corinthians 14:34-35). These teachings have led to discrimination and abuse within the Church, including clergy sexual abuse scandals.
Some Christians have resisted sexual exploitation through activism and social change. The Quakers, for example, worked to abolish slavery in the United States in the 19th century, seeing it as contrary to their beliefs about equality and human dignity. Similarly, feminist theologians have challenged patriarchal interpretations of Scripture, arguing that men and women are equal before God and deserve equal rights.
Today, many Christian denominations promote gender equality and condemn all forms of sexual exploitation, including pornography, prostitution, and sexual violence. Some churches provide counseling and support services for victims of trafficking, offering them hope and healing. Others advocate for legal reforms to protect vulnerable groups, such as children or immigrants. Despite its mixed legacy on sexuality, Christianity has contributed to collective responses against sexual exploitation by promoting justice and compassion for those in need.
How do religious texts shape collective responses to sexual exploitation?
Religious texts play an important role in shaping cultural attitudes towards sexual exploitation. The Qur'an, for example, condemns both rape and adultery as major sins. It teaches that men and women are equally responsible for controlling their sexual urges and protecting themselves from temptation. This belief has been interpreted by some Muslim scholars to mean that women who dress immodestly should be punished because they are "asking for it".